Price missed practice on Friday after tweaking a groin in an intrasquad game this week. Coach Michel Therrien said the day off helped have Price ready for the opener.

Centre Tomas Plekanec, who has been bothered by sore ribs, tested them in the skate and found he was able to play.

Plekanec has 18-year-old Alex Galchenyuk on his line along with captain Biran Gionta. Galchenyk, drafted third overall, was to make his NHL debut. Plekanec's return bumped winger Brandon Gallagher from the lineup. He also hoped to play his first game.

"He'll play with Plekanec and Gionta, who are two good leaders," Therrien said of Galchenyuk. "We talked about surrounding him with players who can help him.

"But you don't want to put too much (pressure) on him. You have to let him play. I'm not worried."